Apparatus for assembling posts and rails

ABSTRACT

Handrails and posts are adjustably assembled by means of a rotatably adjustable pierced fitting having a general shape longest in a direction that is perpendicular to both the handrail and post at the same time. The fitting permits adjustment both for height and pitch and has separate means to allow the longitudinally extending posts and handrails to be slid to various positions and then fixed with respect to a portion of the fitting. Means are also disclosed for temporarily fixing the relative position of the posts, handrails and fitting pieces and then rotatably adjusting them, and then permanently fixing their position.

United States Patent n91 Horgan, Jr.

[ APPARATUS FOR 'ASSEMBLTNG POSTS AND RAILS [75] Inventor: Willia'rnj. Horgan, In, Pittsburgh, I

[73] Assignee: Blum'craft of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh,

' Pa. i

[22] 'Filed: "Feb. 25, 1972 2'11 Appl. no; 29,264

[51] Int. Cl. 1....1. F161) 7/01),v Fl6d'3/08, F16Cl 1/00,

[58] Field of Search 256/21, 22, 24, 59, 1 256/65-70; 287/49, 51, 14, 54 C [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2/1900' Milne 287/51 X 4/1921 Baer 287/14 12/1923 Eccles 287/51 X 10/1932 Burt 287/51X June 26, 1973 2,651,532 9/1953 Hobbs 287149 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLlCATlONS 643,513 8/1962 Italy 287/51 657,439 11/1963 ltaly 287/51 465.328 12/1968 Switzerland 287/51 Primary Examiner-Dennis L. Taylor Attorney-l-lenry N. Paul, .lr.. Frank J. Benasutti etul.

[57] ABSTRACT Handrails and posts are adjustably assembled by means of a rotatably adjustable pierced fitting having a general shape longest in a direction that is perpendicular to both the handrail and post at the same time. The fitting permits adjustment both for height and pitch and has separate means to allow the longitudinally extending posts and handrails to he slid to various'positions and then fixed with respect to a portion of the fitting. Means are also disclosed for temporarily fixing the relative position-of the posts, handrails and fitting pieces and then rotatably adjusting them, and then permanently fixing their position.

9 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures PATENTED JUN 2 6 I973 IIIIIIII INVENTOR.

William J. Horgun, Jr.

Y fiwewm ATTORNEYS.

1 APPARATUS FOR ASSEMBLING POSTS AND RAILS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to ornamental handrails, and more particularly to a new and novel fitting which provides a means for adjusting and fixing the relationship between the handrail and posts while at the same time giving the appearance of being pierced by handrails and posts.

The art with respect to fittings, couplings and connectors for attaching handrails to their posts and to one another and-for adjusting these members with respect to one another during installation is indeed crowded. See for example, the following U. S. Pat. Nos.: 249,066; 1,864,160; 2,834,621; 2,847,177; and 3,233,871. None of these performs the functions and includes the structure setforth herein below, while at the same time providing the desirable ornamental appearance so necessary for modern day architectural applications.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention comprises a means and method for retaining handrails relative to posts and other handrails in fixed spaced relation and for permitting acurate and easy assembly and adjustment of same. The fitting in accordance with this invention gives the appearance of being pierced by the handrail and posts. Means are provided within the fitting to fix each portion thereof separately to the handrail or post, to join the portions temporarily and permit relative rotation therebetween, and to fix the rotation and axial position of the portions with respect to one another once they have been adjusted to the desired position.

Accordingly, its object of this invention to provide a fitting and method of installation as hereinafter described which provides the desirable adjustment and esthetic appearance mentioned above.

This and other objects of my invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fitting in accordance with the preferred embodiment of my invention taken from the right front side; the figure including a handrail and post shown in phantom lines to illustrate the environment in which the fitting is used;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the fitting shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a vertical section on a reduced scale of the fitting shown in FIG. 1 with the handrail and post shown in solid lines;

FIG. 4 is a vertical section similar to FIG. 3 shown an alternate embodiment of my invention; and

FIG. 5 is a vertical section similar to FIG. 4 showing a further alternate embodiment of my invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Although specific forms of the invention have been selected for illustration in the drawings, and the following description is drawn in specific terms for the purpose of describing these forms of the invention, this description is not intended to limit the scope of the invention which is defined in the appended claims.

Referring to the figures and in particular to FIGS. 1 and 2 the fitting designated generally 10 comprises two portions 12 and 14 each having a longitudinally extending body of a generally cylindrical shape; the cylinders being of the same diameter though not necessarily the same length. The portion 12 has an axial cylindrical hole 16 therein for reception of an axial cylindrical extension 18 of the portion 16. Cylindrical extension 18 has a V groove in its outer circumferential surface designated generally 20 which lies in a plane generally transverse to the axis of the body 14. The portion 18 and hole 16 are on coincident axes which axes are coincident with the common central longitudinal axis of both cylindrical portions 12 and 14.

The body 14 has a hole 22 shown more particularly in FIG. 3 for reception of the set screw 24 in threaded engagement therewith; the hole passing through the wall of the body and into the hole 16. The extension 18 and groove 20 are so positioned and dimensioned that when the parts are assembled as shown in FIG. 3, the lead end of the set screw 24 will enter the V groove and most preferably engage the lead wall 26 of the V groove as shown in FIG. 3. Thus on tightening of the set screw 24 the parts are drawn tightly together. It will be appreciated from what has been disclosed that with the set screw just entering the hole 16, but not tightly engaged with the V groove 20, the parts will be retained in their axial relationship and will be free to rotate with respect to one another. The parts as shown have a close sliding fit with one another.

The fitting portions 12 and 14 each have a transverse through hole therein 13 and 15 respectively which form envelopes for reception of a post or handrail in its longitudinal direction. The post 30 is shown in phantom lines in FIG. 1 and in full lines in FIG. 3 and the handrail 32 is shown in phantom lines in FIG. 1 and in section in FIG. 3. The dimensions of ornamental handrails and posts are closely maintained in the industry and the fitting is accurately made with closely machined tolerances in the holes, so that the fittings slide in close sliding engagement with all the external surfaces of the handrails and posts. The fitting has uniform outside dimensions and when assembled the surface of portions 12 and 14 are contiguous and give the appearance of being uninterrupted longitudinally while being pierced transversely.

Each portion 12, 14 of the fitting has a separate fastening means disposed at its outer end preferably comprising an axial hole threaded through to the envelope which will contain the post or handrail and a set screw 34, 36 respectively threaded into the hole for axial movement toward and away from the surface of the handrail having a large diameter (at least 7 /'16 inch) flat surface 37 for engaging and gripping along a large portion of the surface of the handrail or post on tightening of the set screw, to fix the position of the fitting portion on the handrail, without damaging the rail.

A disc-like cap 38, 39 snaps into a groove formed by counterboring the end of the portion and serves to cover the exposed end of set screw.

In the alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 4 the adjustment means which permits relative rotation between the portions of the fitting and which fixes the portions with respect to one another is duplicated. A member 40 has means for engaging the extensions of each of the separate fitting portions as well as a means for receiving a post and being adjustably fixed thereon.

The cylindrical member 40 shown in FIG. 4 has a transverse through hole for receiving the post 42 similar to the through holes forming the envelopes previously described. Accordingly the envelope of the member 40 closely surrounds the post 42 in sliding engagement therewith. The member 40 can be fixed in its position on the post by means of a large set screw 44 in threaded engagement with a portion of a inner threaded hole 46 in the member 40. Threaded hole 46 is at the base of a slightly larger hole 48 which is axial disposed in one end of the member 40. The member 40 has two tapped holes and receives two set screws 52, 54 as shown; the set screws functioning in the manner previously described into the V shaped grooves of the extensions of the body members 56 and 58. These body members are identical to the fitting portion 14, and are provided with fastening means at the ends and caps as previously described. In accordance with this embodiment two handrails can be mounted on a single post and their relative rotated positions can be adjusted and fixed separately.

A further embodiment shown in FIG. where, in a return connector, the adjustment means comprises two female members combined with a bushing. Cylindrical female members 60 and 62 each have axial holes, transverse threaded holes and set screws as clearly shown to perform the same function with respect to the extensions from the portions 64, 66 as previously described. The portions 64, 66 are identical to the portion 14. However, each of these female members terminates in a flat transverse surface which abuts a similar flat transverse surface of a cylindrical bushing 68 having the same diameter as the female members. The bushing is axially threaded in the hole 70 for reception of the opposed fastening screws 72 and 74. The screws are flat headed screws and accordingly their heads extend conically to their threaded shanks. At the bottom of the axial holes 80 and 82, the bodies of the female members 60 and 62 are countersunk to receive the conical portions of the flat headed screws, as shown in FIG. 5. When the screws are tighten, the female members are in a fixed position with respect to the bushing 68. In this manner, two handrail members can be spaced from one another and their positions adjustably rotated and fixed in any desired location without a post.

OPERATION The methods of using this fitting in connection with one or more handrails and posts will now be described. The structure provides for a variety of novel assembly steps which can be adapted to fit the particular installation problems encountered in assembling handrails and posts both in open areas, such as stair wells, and in closed areas, such as elevators or rooms.

One of the members, such as the member 12, can be fixedly connected in its desired location on a post and then the handrail having the member 14 in sliding engagement therewith can be relatively positioned for insertion into the fitting portion 12. Next the portion 14 can be fixed to the handrail 32 or alternatively it can be left in its sliding condition while the extension 18 is slid into the hole 16 in the member 12. Once the handrail has been adjusted for pitch, that is relatively rotated with respect to the post 30, the set screw 24 can be tightened to fix the position of the fitting portions with respect to one another. If further adjustment of the handrail is necessary, it can be slid in its envelope in the coupling member 14 and then the set screw can be tightened to fix its position. Following this, the cap is inserted and snapped into the hole in the end of the fitting member.

It will be appreciated that variations on the steps above can be devised particularly in installations where close quarters or space is not a problem. For instance, in a stairwell where a plurality of members 14 will be positioned along a single handrail and a plurality of posts will already be in fixed positions, each of the posts can have placed thereon a portion 12. Next each of the members 12 can be fixed on their posts in their approximate desired height positions. Next, holding the handrail spaced away from the posts in the position desired, each of the fittings 14 is axially alined with its mating portion 12 of the posts. The ends of the extensions 18 can be just bearly inserted into the holes 16 for final adjustments and then the members can be slid together in unison. Prior to this time the fitting portions 12 can be loosened if further adjustment is needed and indeed with all the parts temporary assembled the set screws 24 can be partially engaged in the V grooves to prevent axial displacement of the members 12 and 14 while pitch is further adjusted on all the posts. With the members in their final position the final tightening of the axial disposed end screws and transversely disposed screws can be made.

The steps apply equally to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4. However, it will be noted that it is necessary at some time to tighten the adjustment screw 44 prior to final tightening of the screw 52 so that the position of the intermediate member on the post 42 can be fixed.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 the steps above apply equally to either connection of an extension with the intermediate member having the bushing. However, the female members must be fixedly connected to the bushing at some time prior to final adjustment of the transversely extending set screws.

It will be understood that various changes in the details, materials and arrangement of parts and steps which have been herein described and illustrated in order to explain the nature of this invention, may be made by those skilled in the art within the principle and scope of the invention as expressed in the following claims.

It will further be understood that the Abstract of the Disclosure set forth above is intended to provide a non-legal technical statement of the contents of the disclosure in compliance with the Rules of Practice of the United States Patent Office, and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention described and claimed herein.

What is claimed:

1. A fitting for retaining a plurality of longitudinally extending members such as handrails and posts in spaced relation, said fitting comprising: first and second portions each having a longitudinally extending body with a transverse hole therethrough forming an envelope for reception and passage therethrough of a post or rail in its longitudinal direction; said portions being positioned relative to one another along their common longitudinal axis; and adjustment means comprising a reduced longitudinal extension of the body of said first portion in a hole in the body of said second portion and a retainer means in said body of said second portion to engage said extension and position said portions along their common axis in a relatively rotatable condition at a first setting and to fix their position with respect to one another at a second setting; each of said portions having fastening means on said axis to engage said rail or post in said envelope and fasten said body thereto.

2. The invention of claim 1 wherein said extension is cylindrical and has a transverse external circumferential groove therein and said retainer means isengaged in said groove when at said settings.

3. The invention of claim 2 wherein said retainer means engages the lead end of the groove.

6. The'invention of claim 1 wherein said bodies have counterbored axial holes at their ends and said fastening means are disposed in the smaller diameter portions of said holes; and cover means are provided in the larger diameter portions to cover said fastening means when said fitting is assembled and fixed on said rails and posts.

7. The invention of claim 1 wherein the fastening means in the body of said second portion is disposed in the portion of said body at the inner end of said holes.

8. The invention of claim 1 wherein said fitting comprises a plurality of said first portions and said second portion comprises a plurality of said holes receiving a plurality of extensions and retainer means for each extension.

9. The invention of claim 1 wherein said second portion comprises another first portion and adjustment means; a separate bushing portion between the holes in said second portion; and connecting means joining the bushing to the body of said second portion. 

1. A fitting for retaining a plurality of longitudinally extending members such as handrails and posts in spaced relation, said fitting comprising: first and second portions each having a longitudinally extending body with a transverse hole therethrough forming an envelope for reception and passage therethrough of a post or rail in its longitudinal direction; said portions being positioned relative to one another along their common longitudinal axis; and adjustment means comprising a reduced longitudinal extension of the body of said first portion in a hole in the body of said second portion and a retainer means in said body of said second portion to engage said extension and position said portions along their common axis in a relatively rotatable condition at a first setting and to fix their position with respect to one another at a second setting; each of said portions having fastening means on said axis to engage said rail or post in said envelope and fasten said body thereto.
 2. The invention of claim 1 wherein said extension is cylindrical and has a transverse external circumferential groove therein and said retainer means is engaged in said groove when at said settings.
 3. The invention of claim 2 wherein said retainer means engages the lead end of the groove.
 4. The invention of claim 1 wherein the longitudinally extending bodies are cylindrical and the fastening means comprise a screw having a large diameter relative to the transverse cross section of said longitudinally extending bodies, and a flat face to engage a surface of said railing or posts.
 5. The invention of claim 1 wherein the longitudinally extending outer surfaces of said body portions are uninterrupted and contigious when said portions are fixed in their axial relationship.
 6. The invention of claim 1 wherein said bodies have counterbored axial holes at their ends and said fastening means are disposed in the smaller diameter portions of said holes; and Cover means are provided in the larger diameter portions to cover said fastening means when said fitting is assembled and fixed on said rails and posts.
 7. The invention of claim 1 wherein the fastening means in the body of said second portion is disposed in the portion of said body at the inner end of said holes.
 8. The invention of claim 1 wherein said fitting comprises a plurality of said first portions and said second portion comprises a plurality of said holes receiving a plurality of extensions and retainer means for each extension.
 9. The invention of claim 1 wherein said second portion comprises another first portion and adjustment means; a separate bushing portion between the holes in said second portion; and connecting means joining the bushing to the body of said second portion. 